Effects of large-scale land acquisition in rural Ethiopia

Currently the large-scale land acquisitions are expanding in developing countries and in particular in Sub-Saharan Africa. Ethiopia is also actively engaged in this global situation. There are limited empirical studies that show the effects of large-scale land acquisitions in the host countries. The objective of this thesis was to identify the perceived effects of large-scale agriculture land acquisition on the livelihood of small-scale farmers in Bako-Tibe Woreda, Western Ethiopia. To this effect, issues of livelihood, food security, sustainable natural resources management and participation were used as guiding concepts. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to collect data. The data was collected through interviewing 145 farm households in the two kebeles of Bako-Tibe Woreda. In addition, focus group discussion and key informant interview were employed to gather in-depth insights. Despite the availability of important policies, strategies and proclamations in Ethiopia, the large-scale land acquisition processes were conducted in Bako-Tibe Woreda in a non-participatory way. Particularly the local communities did not participate in the process from the start of the deals up to the land allocation. This thesis concluded that stakeholders’ participation was non-existent, deforestation was the major environmental concern, job creation opportunities were low and the contribution to an improved livelihood of the local farmers was minimal. Keywords: Land acquisition, Livelihood, Participation, Food security, Land grab, Ethiopia